Liquid dispensing device

ABSTRACT

A CONTAINER IS PROVIDED WITH A DISPENSING DEVICE INCLUDING A CAP-LIKE HOUSING WHICH SUPPORTS A SPRING-BIASED TUBULAR VALVE MEMBER DEFINING SEPARATE LIQUID AND AIR ASSAGES HAVING ENLARGED INNER ENDS CLOSED BY A PLUG MEMBER. WHEN THE VALVE MEMBER IS MOVED TO ITS OPEN POSITION, THE LIQUID PASSAGE OPENS THROUGH A LARGE INLET TO THE CONTAINER CHAMBER PRIOR TO THE AIR PASSAGE, AND THE END OF A SLEEVE ON THE HOUSING FORMS A SEAL WITH THE ALVE MEMBER. WHEN THE VALVE MEMBER IS MOVED TO ITS CLOSED POSITION, THE LIQUID PASSAGE OPENS DIRECTLY TO ATMOSPHERE SO THAT LIQUID IS ENTRAPPED WITHIN THE PASSAGE. THE CAP-LIKE HOUSING HAS AN INNER SURFACE WHICH COOPER-   ATES WITH THE NECK OF THE CONTAINER OF FORM A RADIALLY EXPANDING LIQUID TIGHT SEAL THEREBETWEEN.

p 1971 c. G. CAMPBELL 3,606,095

LIQUID msrnusma mavxcn Filed Sept. 30, 1969 FIG -2 22 mvewran 44 CHARLES e. CAMPBELL 38 46 i v we 4 T TORNE United States Patent 3,606,096 LIQUID DISPENSING DEVICE Charles G. CampbelL'Miamisburg, Ohio, assignor to The Huffman Manufacturing Company, Miamisburg, Ohio Filed Sept. 30, 1969, Ser. No. 862,351 Int. Cl. B67d 5/32 U.S. Cl. 222--153 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A container is provided with a dispensing device including a cap-like housing which supports a spring-biased tubular valve member defining separate liquid and air passages having enlarged inner ends closed by a plug member. When the valve member is moved to its open position, the liquid passage opens through a large inlet to the container chamber prior to the air passage, and the end of a sleeve on the housing forms a seal with the valve member. When the valve member is moved to its closed position, the liquid passage opens directly to atmosphere so that no liquid is entrapped within the passage. The cap-like housing has an inner surface which cooperates with the neck of the container to form a radially expanding liquid tight seal therebetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a liquid dispensing device such as disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,033,247 and US. Pat. No. 3,207,190 which issued to the assignee of the present invention. The device is commonly mounted on a portable container used by service station attendants for adding water to the battery of an automobile. Such liquid dispensing devices generally include a cap-like housing which supports a movable tubular valve member defining separate air and liquid passages. Each passage has a radial opening positioned adjacent the inner end of the valve member, and a coil spring is interposed between the housing and valve member to bias the valve member to a normally closed position.

When the outer end portion of the valve member is inserted into the cell of a battery, a flange engages the boss at the top of the cell so that a force exerted on the container causes the valve member to move to an open position allowing water to flow downwardly through the liquid passage into the battery cell while air flows upwardly through the air passage into the container. When the liquid level raises to the lower end of the valve member, the air passage is blocked by the water thereby stopping the water flow from the container into the battery cell.

Several problems have been encountered with the liquid dispensing devices disclosed in the above patents when mounted on a portable water container used for adding water to batteries. One problem is that turbulence develops in the water flowing through the liquid passage in the valve member and prevents a smooth flow of Water from the dispensing device into the battery. It has also been found that when the container is raised and the valve member moves to its closed position, water is entrapped in the liquid passage of the valve member and subsequently drips from the device when the container is moved. While one or more small vent passages have been provided between the housing and the valve member to vent the liquid passage, it has been found that liquid seeps into the vent passage by capillary action so that air cannot flow through the passage.

It has also been found difficult to obtain an effective water-tight seal between the housing and the valve member when the latter is in its open position so that water will not seep through the clearance space between the 'ice housing and the valve member. As also disclosed in the above patents, an axial pressure seal is employed between the cap-like housing of the dispensing device and the neck of the portable container. Thus when the housing is slightly unscrewed, for example, due to rough handling of the container, the seal is broken, and water can seep between the neck ofthe container and the housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to an improved liquid dispensing device of the type disclosed in above Pat. No. 3,207,190. In general, the liquid dispensing device of the invention provides for a smooth and uniform flow of liquid through the valve member and assures that the liquid passage within the valve member is immediately and directly vented as soon as the valve member moves to its closed position so that no water is entrapped or retained in the liquid passage. The dispensing device of the invention also provides for a positive liquid tight seal between the cap-like housing and valve member when the latter is moved to its open position, and further provides for an effective radial pressure liquid tight seal between the cap-like housing and the neck of the container.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid dispensing device incorporates a movable tubular valve member which defines separate liquid and air passages each having an enlarged upper or inner portion to aid in providing a smooth, non-turbulent flow of liquid into and through the liquid passage. The inner axial ends of the air and liquid passages are closed by a snap-in plug member which carries an O-ring seal.

A cap-like housing is provided with a tapered tubular guide portion which slidably supports the valve member and has a lower end portion adapted to form a radial pressure seal with the valve member when the latter is moved to its open position. The liquid passage is provided with an opening which extends below the lower or outer end of the guide portion when the valve member is moved to its closed position so that the liquid passage is directly vented to atmosphere. The housing is also provided with a substantially cylindrical surface joining an annular fillet which cooperates with an inwardly formed flange on the neck of the container to form an effective radial pressure water tight seal between the housing and the neck of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a liquid dispensing device constructed in accordance with the invention, together with a fragment of a portable container which receives the dispensing device;

FIG. 2 is an axial section of the dispensing device and neck portion if the container of FIG. 1 and showing the valve member of the device in its closed position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the dispensing device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an axial section view similar to FIG. 2 and showing the valve member in its open position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary section of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section of a portion of the dispensing device and the neck portion of the container; and

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a portable dispensing container 10,'as for example, a blow molded plastic container such as that shown in above Pat. No. 3,207,190, includes a generally cylindrical neck 12 having external threads 13 and an inwardly projecting annular lip 14. In accordance with the present invention, a liquid dispensing device is mounted on the neck 12 of the container and includes a molded plastic cap-like body or housing 16 consisting of a generally cylindrical outer portion 18 having internal threads 19 for engaging the threads 13 on the neck 12 of the container. The housing 16 also includes an inner hub portion 22 "which is integrally connected to the outer portion 18 by a radially extending flange portion 23.

Referring to FIG. 6, the hub portion 22 of the housing 16 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 24 having a diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the container neck lip 14 and cooperates with the surrounding outer portion 18 of the housing 16 to define an annular cavity for receiving the neck 12 of the container 10. An annular fillet 26 surrounds the base of the cylindrical surface 24 and cooperates with the surface 24 to expand the neck 12 of the container radially when the housing 16 is threaded onto the neck thereby forming a radial pressure water-tight seal 'therebetween. The hub portion 22 of the housing includes a downwardly projecting guide tube 28 which defines a cylindrical bore 29 having an upper end surrounded by frusto-conical surface or valve seat 31. The outer surface of the guide tube 28 tapers or converges inwardly so that the wall thickness progressively decreases toward the lower end of the guide tube 28.

A tubular molded plastic valve member includes an upper cylindrical portion 36 which is slidably received within the bore 29 and which is integrally connected to a lower spout portion 37 of reduced diameter by an annular flange portion 38. An axially extending fiat internal wall 39 separates the interior of the valve member 35 into a liquid passage 40 and an air passage 42. The upper portions of the passages 40 and 42 are substantially larger in cross-sectional area than the lower portions of the passages, and each passage converges in the area defined by a tapered inner surface 43.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the flange portion 38 projects outwardly and then upwardly to define an annular cavity 44 and to provide an annular fillet 46. A recess 48 (FIG. 3) is formed within the upper cylindrical portion 36 of the valve member 35, and a slot 49 extends axially or downwardly from the recess 48. A set of notches 51 extend from the recess 48 to the inner wall 39, and an air vent port or opening (FIG. 4) is formed within the upper portion 36 of the valve member 35 for the air passage 42. A slot 52 (FIG. 3) is also provided within the cylindrical portion 36 directly above the opening 50.

A plug member 55 is inserted into the end of the upper portion 36 of the valve member 35 and etfectively covers the upper or inner axial ends of the passages 40 and 42. The plug member 55 has an axially extending slot '57 which receives the inner wall 39 and has circumferentially spaced lugs 58 and 59 which project into the notches 51 and slot 52, respectively. A sloping flat surface 61 is formed on the plug member 55 and cooperates with the notch 51 to define a large inlet opening 62 for the liquid passage 40.

A circumferential external groove 63 is formed within the plug member 55 and receives a resilient O-ring 64. A compression coil spring extends between the hub portion of the housing 16 and the flange portion 38 of the valve member 35 in surrounding relationship with the guide tube 28 of the valve member 35 and urges the valve member 35 outwardly or downwardly to a closed position (FIG. 2) where the O-ring 64 engages the annular seat 31 to form a water and air tight closure for the container 10.

When the dispensing device 15 is used for adding water to a cell of a battery 75, the lower spout portion 38 of the valve member 35 is inserted into the cell cavity 76 until the upwardly projecting annular boss 78 engages the lower surface of the flange portion 38 of the valve member 35. Downward pressure on the container 10 causes the valve member 35 to move axially to its open position (FIG. 4) where water flows from the container 10 through the inlet opening 62 and downwardly through the liquid passage 40 into the battery cell.

Simultaneously with the flow of the water through the passage 40, air flows upwardly through the passage 42 and outwardly through the air vent opening 50 into the container 10 to displace the water dispensed. When the level of the water within the battery cell raises to the elevation of the lower end of the spout portion 37, the air passage 42 is effectively blocked which stops the air flow upwardly into the container and the water flow downwardly into the battery. When the container 10 is removed from the battery 75, the valve member 35 re turns to its closed position (FIG. 2), closing the container 10.

From the drawing and the above description, it is apparent that a liquid dispensing device constructed in accordance with the invention provides desirable features and advantages. For example, the enlarged upper portion of the liquid passage 40 aids in providing a smooth nonturbulent flow of Water through the liquid passage 40 into the battery 75. In addition, the large size of the liquid inlet opening 62 and its generally higher location relative to the air vent opening 50 aids in providing a smooth non-turbulent flow of water by assuring that water rapidly enters the passage 40 before the air passage 42 is vented into the container through the air vent opening 50.

The construction of the valve member 35 also provides another important advantage. That is, when the valve member is molded of a thermoplastic material, the mold core members which form the passages 40 and 42 can each be supported from both ends and does not have to be supported entirely from one end as is necessary in molding the valve members disclosed in the above patents.

Another important feature of the dispensing device of the invention is provided by the vent opening or slot 49. When the valve member 35 returns to its closed position (FIGS. 2 and 7) as the container 10 is lifted from the battery 75, the slot 49 extends 'below the lower end of the guide tube 28 so that the liquid passage 40 is vented directly to atmosphere thereby assuring that all water within the passage 40 is immediately dispensed and is not retained so that it can subsequently drip from the dispensing device 15.

As mentioned above, the cap-like housing 16 cooperates with the neck portion 12 of the container 10 to form a radially tight seal between the inner surface of the lip 14 (FIG. 6) and the outer surface 24 and the fillet 26 of the hub portion 22. Furthermore, when the valve member 35 is moved to its open position (FIG. 4), the lower end of the guide tube 28 engages the annular fillet 46 at the bottom of the annular chamber 44 to form an effective radially tight seal between the valve member 35 and the housing 16 to assure that water does not seep through the clearance space defined between the guide tube 28 and the upper cylindrical portion 36 of the valve member 35.

While the form of the liquid dispensing device herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to this precise form of device and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A liquid dispensing device adapted to 'be mounted on a container having a neck portion with an inwardly projecting annular lip, said device comprising a housing having means defining a bore with inner and outer ends, an annular valve seat adjacent said inner end of said bore, a valve member extending through said bore and including means defining separate axially extending liquid and air passages each having inner and outer ends, closure means for said inner ends of said passages, means defining corresponding radial openings within said valve member for said inner ends of said passages, said valve member being movable between an open position where said radial openings communicate with the container and a closed position where said closure means engages said seat to form a seal between said. housing and said valve member, means for biasing said valve member toward said closed position, and said housing including an annular surface for engaging the inner circumferential surface of said lip to form a radial pressure seal between said housing and said neck portion of said container.

2. A liquid dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a container, comprising a housing having a guide tube defining a bore with inner and outer ends, an annular valve seat adjacent said inner end of said bore, a valve member extending through said bore and including means defining separate axially extending liquid and air passages each having inner and outer ends, closure means for said inner ends of said passages, means defining corresponding radial openings within said valve member for said inner ends of said passages, said valve member being movable between an open position where said radial openings communicate with the container and a closed position where said closure means engages said seat to form a seal betwen said housing and said valve member, means for biasing said valve member toward said closed position, said guide tube having a flexible outer end portion, and said valve member includes an annular surface for radially expanding said outer end portion of said guide tube when said valve member is moved to said open position to form a liquid-tight seal between said valve member and said housing.

3. In a liquid dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a container and including a housing having wall means defining a bore with inner and outer ends, an annular valve seat adjacent said inner end of said bore, a valve member extending through said bore and including means defining separate axially extending liquid and air passages each having inner and outer ends, closure means for said inner ends of said passages, means defining corresponding radial openings within said valve member for said inner ends of said passages, said valve member being movable between an open position Where said radial openings communicate with the container and a closed position where said closure means engages said seat to form a seal between said housing and said valve member, and means for biasing said valve member toward said closed position, the improvement comprising means defining a vent opening extending radially through said valve member into said liquid passage, and said vent opening being located outwardly of said housing wall means defining said bore when said valve member is located in said closed position to provide for a free unobstructed radial flow of air from atmosphere into said liquid passage to enable liquid confined within said liquid passage to flow quickly from said outer end of said liquid passage and thereby prevent dripping from said valve member.

4. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein said vent opening comprises a slot extending axially within said valve member from said radial opening for said liquid passage.

5. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet for said liquid passage extends angularly approximately 180 around said valve member.

6. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein said wall means defining said bore comprises a tubular guide portion having a flexible outer end, and said valve member includes a surface for radially expanding said outer end of said guide portion when said valve member is moved to said open position to effect a positive liquidtight seal between said housing and said valve member.

7. A dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein at least said liquid passage has an enlarged inner end portion adjacent said closure means to aid in providing a smooth flow of liquid from said container into said liquid passage, and said closure means comprises a separate head member extending into said inner ends of said passages.

8. A dispensing device as defined in claim 7 wherein said plug member includes means defining a circumferential grove, and a resilient seal ring disposed within said groove.

9. In a liquid dispensing device adapted to be mounted on a container and including a housing having wall means defining a bore with inner and outer ends, an annular valve seat adjacent said inner end of said bore, a valve member extending through said bore and including means defining separate axially extending liquid and air passages each having an inner end portion and an outer end portion, closure means for said inner end portion of said passages, means defining corresponding radial openings within said valve member for said inner end portion of said passages, said valve member being movable between an open position where said radial openings communicate with the container and a closed position where said closure means engages said seat to form a seal between said housing and said valve member, means for biasing said valve member toward said closed position, and means for venting said liquid passage when said valve member is moved to said closed position, the improvement wherein said inner end portion of at least said liquid passage is enlarged and has a cross-sectional area substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the corresponding said outer end portion, said closure means includes a separate head member secured to said inner ends of said passages, said radial opening for said air passage being located substantially adjacent the inner surface of said head member, surface means on said head member for extending said radial opening for said liquid passage inwardly beyond said opening for said air passage to assure that said liquid passage opens before said air passage when said valve member is moved to said open position, and means on said head member for forming a liquid tight seal with said valve seat.

10. A dispensing device as defined in claim 9 including means forming a snap-fit connection between said head member and the inner end portion of said valve member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,685,396 8/1954 Day et al. 222-479X 3,207,190 9/1965 Silbereis et al 222484X 3,278,094 10/1966 Perry 222479 ROBERT B. REEVES, Primary Examiner F. J. BARTUSKA, Assistant Examiner U8. (:1. X.R. 

